Pavilion All-in-One / Boot Device Not Found / Hard Disk - (3F0)

[Raggedstar]

Hello,

I bought a Pavilion All-in-One approximately 22 months ago and it was working great for well over a year, but up until about 4-5 months ago when I tried to power it up it would just start beeping loudly with a blank screen. Recently I was able to fix it to where it would stop beeping and I could make it to the troubleshooting section on the Windows error screen, but then while I was waiting to see if it would restart, the computer powered off. When I turned it back on I was greeted with this message:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Boot Device Not Found

Please install an operating system on your hard disk.

Hard Disk - (3F0)

________________________________________________________________________________________________

I've looked up videos on YouTube, followed all the directions on the HP site to reset it, and have lost count how many times I've gone through the Virtual Assistant trying to find the solution. So far nothing has helped it, including the Legacy Boot sources. I'm suspecting a virus or bug of some sort has corrupted the firmware, but I'm far from sure.

~Helpful replies are appreciated, thank you.

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi
First:- Turn off the computer, press and hold the PWR button for 4 seconds.

Then - Leave only keyboard and mouse connected, disconnect all externally connected
devices such as Docking Station, USB storage devices, displays, and printers.
Unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

Next - Press and Hold the Power button for 15 seconds to Hard Reset.
Rinse and Repeat; Re-Connect the AC adapter.

NOW begin checking/testing/proving the Hardware is fit for purpose.
Power on your PC, press ESC (repeatedly), then F2 at the prompt.
Choose System Tests (Fast Test does a 4 minute hardware check).

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/bph07107

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Make, Model and OS please.
SKU: if possible
System SKU: N6K07EA#ABU
Please do not post Serial Numbers.

[Raggedstar]

I followed everything you wrote down but it just went back to the same screen as before. I was also unable to use the Fast Test because my computer only has a (2 minute) Quick Check and a (2 hour) Extensive Check, so I just used both of those which everything passed. I've ran the checks many times and it always says they both passed, but it always brings me back to the same (3F0) error screen.

Other info:

SKU Number: Z5P71AA#ABA

Model No. 24-b227c

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/product/hp-pavilion-24-b200-all-in-one-desktop-pc-series/13823536/model...

So now we know the problem is not the Hardware.

Could the BIOS boot sequence have changed?

Could the CMOS/RTC battery, if it has one, failed.

Next would be to try and install an operating system...

You would probably need another PC and a USB stick.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

[Raggedstar]

I have also moved around all the BIOS boot sequences into the first slot a few times, so that is most likely not the problem either. The only other HP products I have are laptops so I have been trying to use them to create a recovery drive with my 2 USBs, but I have tried that as well several times and it says the drive must be able to hold at least 16 GB, and then cancels the download. Am I able to create a recovery drive at all from a laptop and it's just the USB, or does it just not work at all?

I also don't know if this computer has a CMOS/RTC battery, but is there a way I can find that out?

[Lil_Boy_Blue · Accepted solution]

Hi

CMOS/RTC is unlikely for your model, but you may be lucky with this...          

http://partsurfer.hp.com/search.aspx

to list the parts and have an idea of the Main Board and RTC if they are listed.

OK the MS download is about 4 gig, the media creation tool is 19 mb, choose to download the .iso file and use something like AnyBurn to make a DVD/USB.  

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

or allow it to make the USB (8 GB) directly.

OR

From 2016 onwards there is a possible recovery option via the cloud...
HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 7 & 10)
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06162205

[Raggedstar]

Alright then, I'll go purchase a USB with the proper amount of gigabytes and try using one of my laptops for the recovery with the cloud. Hopefully it will be the final solution.

[Raggedstar]

Success! It finally worked! I wasn't able to use the cloud recovery with my laptop due to storage issues, but after freeing up some space on it, I was able to download the Windows 10 ISO File through it and onto my desktop using my new 64GB USB.

Thank you very much for all the information and your cooperation with my problem sir! It was extremely helpful. Thanks again! 🙂

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Prego.